Refillable compact

ABSTRACT

A refillable compact includes a cover, a base and a platform having one or more pan wells. Each pan well is fillable with an active product. The cover and base are linked by coaxial hinges, the cover being rotatable around the coaxial hinges to open and close with the base. The platform is configured to removably slide into the base along rail slots located on each side of the base and the platform is kept in place by friction between the base and the platform. The platform is refillable or replaceable with a new platform by sliding out the platform from the base along the rail slots and inserting the platform refilled with the active product or the new platform into the base along the rail slots. The components of the refillable compact are made of environmentally friendly material to promote sustainability.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/074,694 filed Sep. 4, 2020, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a compact, particularly to a refillablecompact. More particularly to an environmentally friendly refillablecompact.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although many modern cosmetic packaging can be refilled, they are notenvironmentally friendly. In contrast, all of the material of therefillable compact of the claim invention are recyclable and can beseparated without a tool in an easy manner by the end consumer prior todisposal of the packaging. That is, the claimed refillable compactenables and promotes sustainability of the packaging to beenvironmentally friendly.

Accordingly, the claimed invention proceeds on the desirability ofproviding a refillable compact that is light and slim, and made ofenvironmentally friendly materials with replaceable platform.

It is known in the prior art, a rigid container with a cover, a base anda platform to make the assembly requires glue or magnet or anymechanical feature to satisfy a bounding function to keep the componentsall together.

In the claimed invention, the compact and platform are deliveredseparately to the filler to keep it simple and functional. The platformfits into the compact once filled and can stay until it needs to berefilled or interchanged with another platform to enable the user to usethe same refillable compact with multiple platforms. The consumer canrefill the compact, if needed, with a new platform purchased separatelyfrom the compact. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention, the platform can be pre-filled with activeproduct(s).

The design of the claimed refillable compact is particularly slim for amake-up compact, compared to similar items on the market. Also, theclaimed refillable compact is light weight to carry but carries the sameamount of product as the similar items on the market.

To address these problems, the claimed invention is directed to be arefillable compact comprising a base cooperating with a cover and aplatform to enclose one or more pan wells, wherein the repeatable andreversible engagement of the refilling means provides repeatable andreversible filling of said an wells through the cooperation of multipleempty compartments formed on said platform.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, arefillable compact comprises a cover, a base and a platform comprisingone or more pan wells. Each pan well is fillable with an active product.The cover and base are linked by coaxial hinges, the cover beingrotatable around the coaxial hinges to open and close with the base. Theplatform is configured to removably slide into the base along rail slotslocated on each side of the base and the platform is kept in place byfriction between the base and the platform. The platform is refillableor replaceable with a new platform by sliding out the platform from thebase along the rail slots and inserting the platform refilled with theactive product or the new platform into the base along the rail slots.The components of the refillable compact are made of environmentallyfriendly material to promote sustainability.

The design of this invention is ultra slim under the condition of thematerial used for the manufacturing and the size of the pan desired. Therigid packaging weight is relatively low compare to other similarlysized items made for the same usage. Preferably, the compact packaging,e.g., base and cover/lid, is made of metal or non-metallic alloy, suchas aluminum. It is important to satisfy an objective of the claimedinvention, using minimum amount of material to reach the lowest weightpossible without compromising on the functionality.

The choice of material selected is targeted to allow the separation ofthe components of the claimed refillable compact and the recycling ofall components at the end of the compact life. The material must besuitable to be folded, stamped and formed without requiring any glue orother adhesive means. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention, the selected material must have memory keep theformed shape permanently without requiring any glue or other adhesivemeans. Preferably, the lid and base are thin wall design and made ofmetal, such as aluminum which is three to four times lighter thanplastic, and two times lighter than steel. The material must be rigidand resistant, have a glossy surface and impart a high-end look.Moreover, the material must be convenient and easy to decorate, such asby printing, debossing, embossed engraving, spraying, anodization andother comparable means. The stamping/forming process allows the claimedrefillable compact to be manufactured using significantly less material,thereby resulting in a compact that is 30% to 100% lighter thansimilarly sized compact.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thecover and base attached together is made of the same material, thematerial can be folded and shaped to provide the hinge and lockingfunction to close the lid. The platform can be made of a differentmaterial as it is not permanently assembled. The claimed platform isrefillable and slides in or pulls out depending on the user intention.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theplatform is recyclable and is made of paper or recycled material, suchas cardboard, to be environmentally friendly. Paper based platform madefrom wood fibers is natural and easily recyclable. Currently, there isno precedent packaging, particularly cosmetic packaging, able toassociate a metal frame with a refillable paper platform refill.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, therefillable compact is environmentally friendly (i.e., eco-friendly)because it complies with the 5R's:

-   -   1) Rethink=the claimed refillable compact is a new concept        design;    -   2) Recycle=the claimed refillable compact uses recycled        materials and can be recycled after the shelf life;    -   3) Replace=the empty packaging can be used for a different        purpose than a make-up compact, a box or cigarette sleeve;    -   4) Reduce=light weight, the claimed refillable compact is 30% to        100% lighter than a regular compact of similar size carrying        similar quantity of make-up; and    -   5) Refill=the claimed paper platform is refillable and can be        used multi-purposes, e.g., can carry eyeshadow, press powder,        blush, bronzer, lip balm, lip color and the like. The end        user/consumer can pick and choose the desired refill for a day        and change it next day. Additionally, the consumer can use the        same refillable compact with multiple platforms.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the present inventionwill become readily apparent from the ensuing detailed description, andthe novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed descriptions, given by way of example, and notintended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will be best beunderstood in conjunction with the accompanying figures:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a refillable compact in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of refillable compact in an open position inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the refillable compact in a closed positionin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the refillable compact with platformdetails in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimedinvention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the rail slot in a closed position inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the refillable compact in a closedposition in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimedinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Turning to FIG. 1, a refillable compact 10 of the claimed inventioncomprises a cover 1 cooperating with a base 3 and a platform 2 toenclose one or several pan well(s) 211. The platform 2 is the refillableunit which can receive any kind of pan well with active product. The panwell 211 is filled with powder for make up or any possible application.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thecompact cover or lid 1 and base 3 are made of the same material,preferably, any kind of metal or non-metallic alloy, such as aluminum.Preferably, the housing (the lid/cover 1 and base 3) of the refillablecompact is plastic free.

Turning to FIG. 2, the cover 1 and base 3 are linked by coaxial hinges32 a, 32 b,13. The base 3 and cover 1 do not need to be separated andcan be recycled together. The cover 3 rotates around the hinges 32 a, 32b, 13 to close and open with the base 3. In a closed position, as shownin FIG. 3, the cover snap 100 closes around the front base 321 by atemporary deformation. It is appreciated that the cover snap 100 usesthe elasticity and memory of the cover material.

The lid or cover 1 is a flat and wide, preferably, made of metal ornon-metallic alloy. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention, the lid 1 is a polished part and preferably made ofmetal such as aluminum. The material must be suitable to be folded,stamped and formed without requiring any glue or other adhesive means.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theselected material must have memory to keep the formed shape permanentlywithout requiring any glue or other adhesive means. Preferably, the lid1 is made of a high gloss polished material that advantageously providesa necessary reflection so the lid 1 can be used as a built-in mirror 14by the consumer/end user. This eliminates the need for mirror in therefillable compact 10, and totally eliminating the need for bonding,such as glue or adhesive. In typical compacts, the mirror is bonded ontothe inner surface of the lid, thereby adding weight and requiringadhesives, such as glue, tape and the like. That is, the claimedrefillable compact is glue and adhesive free. Further, this result inthe claimed refillable compact being comprised of eco-friendlymaterials, promoting sustainability.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,the platform 2 is delivered as a separate element to the contractfiller. As exemplary shown in FIG. 4, the platform 2 is a flat componentdesigned to slide into the base slot 31 along the rail slots 31A, 31B.In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theplatform 2 is made of paper, such as cardboard. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the platform 2 is of aflat geometry to maintain an efficient and simple filling process, i.e.,filling the platform 2 with an active product, such as compact powder.As exemplary shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the geometry and tolerances of theplatform edges 21 slide into two rails of the base 31A, 31B. Thethickness of the platform 2 and the base 3 by friction work together tokeep the platform 2 in place. As exemplary shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, thetwo debossed logs 311, 312, debossed on each rail slot 31A, 31B of thebase 3, are the main components in contact with the top edge of theplatform 2, thereby preventing the platform 2 from moving by exertingpressure thereon by friction.

It is appreciated that the paper platform 2 does not need to be durable,as it is a refill, a consumable part of the package or compact 10. Theplatform 2 is a vessel by which the active product is carried, in directcontact or with an interface called a “pan” in the case of pressedpowder or hot poured make-up formulas. Typical platforms are usuallymade of plastic or metallic materials. In accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the claimed invention, the platform is a paper platform,which is significantly cheaper in terms of material cost than plasticand metal, and significantly cheaper to manufacture. There is no toolinginvestment or very limited tooling investment as compared to plasticmolded part. The collection and recycling process for paper product iswell known and simple. Moreover, the claimed paper platform issignificantly lighter than conventional plastic or metallic platform,and ability to decorate the claimed paper platform is unlimited.Furthermore, the source of the material used in the claimed platform ispreferably forest stewardship certified and controlled. The carbonfootprint of the metal/paper material combination of the claimedrefillable compact impacts the environment much less than theconventional compact, thereby contributing to the on-going efforts toprotect the environment.

Once the consumer decides to replace or refill the platform 2, asexemplary shown in FIG. 2, she completely opens the cover 1 at 180degrees, grabs the handle 213 and pulls out the platform 2 from the base3 to separate from the rail slots 31A, 31B. The platform 2 can becompletely removed from the refillable compact 10 and replaced withanother platform 2. The existing platform 2 slides out the base 3 alongthe rail slots 31A, 31B and a new platform 2 is installed by sliding italong the rail slots 31A, 31B. That is, the consumer can replace theexisting platform 2 with another platform 2 after the active product inthe existing platform 2 is consumed or to change platform 2 withdifferent active product, e.g., a different shade for compact powder.

In contrast, the prior art compacts use permanent assembly elements,such as, permanent mechanical features, glue or welding, which cannot beeasily separated and require breakage of the platform to separate thecomponents. These claimed elements/features increase the reliability ofthe claimed refillable compact to provide a longer life and endlessusage.

As exemplary shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the claimed platform 2 slidesinto the compact guided sideways by the rail slots 31A, 31B in the base3 and the sides of the platform 21A, 21B and a stopper 214 on theplatform 2, exemplary shown in FIG. 5, meeting the front of the base322.

Regardless of the size of the platform 2 and the number of pan wells211, it is appreciated that the top surface of the platform 2 is openand accessible to the end user.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, therefillable compact 10 is made of or comprised of up to 100% recycled,recyclable or eco-friendly materials.

1. A refillable compact comprising a cover, a base and a platformcomprising one or more pan wells, each pan well is fillable with anactive product, the cover and base are linked by coaxial hinges, thecover being rotatable around the coaxial hinges to open and close withthe base, the platform is configured to removably slide into the basealong rail slots located on each side of the base and the platform iskept in place by friction between the base and the platform; wherein theplatform is refillable or replaceable with a new platform by sliding outthe platform from the base along the rail slots and inserting theplatform refilled with the active product or the new platform into thebase along the rail slots; and wherein components of the refillablecompact are made of environmentally friendly material to promotesustainability.
 2. The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein theplatform comprises a handle to facilitate removable of the platform fromthe base along the rail slots.
 3. The refillable compact of claim 1,wherein the platform is a paper platform.
 4. The refillable compact ofclaim 4, wherein the platform is made of cardboard.
 5. The refillablecompact of claim 1 is free of adhesive and glue.
 6. The refillablecompact of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a snap to close around afront of the base by a temporary deformation in a closed position. 7.The refillable compact of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the coveris polished to provide reflection so the cover can be used as a built-inmirror, thereby eliminating the need for a separate mirror mounted onthe inner surface of the cover.
 8. The refillable compact of claim 1,wherein the base and the cover are made of a material that can befolded, stamped and formed without requiring any adhesive.
 9. Therefillable compact of claim 8, wherein the material of the base and thecover has memory to keep a formed shape permanently.
 10. The refillablecompact of claim 8, wherein the base and cover are made of a metal ornon-metallic alloy.
 11. The refillable compact of claim 10, wherein thebase and cover are made of a same material.
 12. The refillable compactof claim 11, wherein the base and cover are made of aluminum to providea lightweight compact.
 13. The refillable compact of claim 1, thecomponents are made of recyclable materials, recycled materials oreco-friendly materials.
 14. The refillable compact of claim 13, whereinthe components are recyclable, the base and cover can be recycledtogether without being separated.
 15. The refillable compact of claim 1,further comprising a log debossed on top of each rail slot and incontact with a top edge of the platform to prevent the platform frommoving by exerting a pressure thereon by friction.
 16. The refillablecompact of claim 1, wherein the material of the base and the cover isfree of plastic.